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St Thomas Seniors Graduate from Computer Training Programme

There was excitement at the normally quiet St Thomas Parish Library as seven proud seniors received certificates of completion of a computer training programme, which was designed for them.

Their smiles, laughter, and sense of accomplishment told a story bigger than technology, it was about accomplishment, resilience, growth, and the joy of lifelong learning.

Among them was 73-year-old Constance Worrell, who now proudly displays her certificate in her living room as a reminder that “age should never hold you back.”

“When I started the programme, I was excited, not nervous,” Ms Worrell shared. “I wanted to refresh my memory, catch up with technology, and be in the know. Things have changed so much since I was working, and I didn’t want to be left behind.”

Like her fellow graduates, Ms Worrell entered the training with curiosity and determination. Over several weeks, the seniors tackled everything from basic computer operations and email management, to typing, file organisation, and even using WhatsApp.

For some, the simplest tasks, such as cutting and pasting text, were milestones. For others like Miss Worrell, inserting pictures into a document was the toughest challenge. “But I was determined,” she laughed. “With trial and error, I got it.”

That determination, coupled with the support of staff and peers, kept the seniors motivated. “The instructors made us feel so comfortable,” Ms Worrell said. “We had fun while learning. Everybody was jovial, and at no time did you feel inadequate.”

The Jamaica Library Service (JLS), which spearheaded the initiative, which was made possible through the donation of computers by the JN Foundation and the JN Circle, was intentional about creating a supportive and engaging environment.

“The seniors had dedicated staff members, hands-on practice, and strong peer support that kept them motivated and engaged,” explained Shana-Lee Coley-Smith, librarian at the St Thomas Parish Library.

“They were elated to graduate, and many expressed a desire for even more training.”

Norman Hinds, president of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter which identified the need and coordinated the donation of the computers, expressed delight that the community was not only benefiting from the donation, but that the gift was resonating in various ways.

“We were happy to support this initiative because technology should not leave anyone behind, especially our seniors. By equipping them with both the tools and the training, weare not just empowering individuals but strengthening families and communities as well. As now the seniors can use the technology to keep in-touch with their families and friends,” he said.

The JN Circle is a global network of JN members and customers who leverage the JN Group’s resources to serve as advocates and community change agents. With 17 chapters spanning all 14 parishes and active groups in Toronto, Canada, and London, England, the JN Circle continues to make meaningful contributions to community development.

Beyond the skills learned, the social aspect of the programme stood out for participants. Seniors from different clubs and communities came together, building new friendships and enjoying the camaraderie of group learning.

“It helped us to socialise and get to know each other,” Ms Worrell noted. “We encouraged one another, and it made the learning more enjoyable.”

The impact is already evident in their daily lives. Graduates reported feeling more confident browsing the internet, managing emails, creating documents, and using messaging apps to stay connected with loved ones. For Ms Worrell, that meant sending her children in the United Kingdom a photo of her certificate, a moment that filled them with pride.

Still, she and her classmates are eager for more. Having had their first taste of digital empowerment, they want to keep going. “I’m not 100 per cent there yet, but it has helped me an awful lot,” Ms Worrell admitted. She looks forward to applying her skills to committee work once her tablet is back in service.

For the Jamaica Library Service, the success of this cohort underscores the importance of investing in vulnerable groups. “When seniors gain confidence and independence through technology, the entire community benefits,” said Mrs Coley-Smith. “It strengthens connections, reduces isolation, and empowers them to remain active participants in society.”

And if there’s one message that Ms Worrel wants to leave with other seniors, it is don’t let age stand in the way. “We don’t do age in my senior citizens’ group,” she said firmly. “You are as old as you feel. Don’t lock yourself away in the house, try new things, even if it’s just once. And don’t just mix with your age group; younger generations will lift your spirits.”

For these seven seniors, graduation was more than the end of a course, it was the beginning of a new chapter. With certificates in hand and confidence in their stride, they are proof that it’s never too late to learn, to connect, and to grow.

“I feel wonderful,” Ms Worrell said with a smile that mirrored the sentiments of her classmates. “This programme has shown us all that age should never hold you back.”

 Over 400 residents now benefit from vital services

The Goshen Postal Agency in St Elizabeth is once again serving the community after a dedicated team of residents, spearheaded by the Goshen Community Development Committee (CDC), successfully restored the facility, which was damaged by Hurricane Beryl.

The category four hurricane, which wreaked havoc in the southern parts of the island last year, severely damaged the roof of the postal agency, forcing its closure and the relocation of its operations to the Pepper and Santa Cruz post offices.

The restoration, completed and officially reopened on July 7, has brought back vital services to the rural St Elizabeth community, particularly for the nearly 400 beneficiaries of the Government’s Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), who rely on the postal agency for the distribution of their benefits.

“Everybody’s excited. A lot of people didn’t know it would happen,” said Desmond Williams, president of both the Goshen CDC and the Santa Cruz JN Circle. “But I had confidence in my team. We knew we had to get our PA (postal agency) back on track.”

Mr Williams explained that the Goshen CDC played a central role in galvanising the community around the restoration effort. Through regular meetings and outreach, residents at home and abroad were mobilised to contribute resources and volunteer their time.

But the journey was not without challenges.

“Getting donations was very, very slow,” Mr Williams admitted. “It was difficult getting people on board at first, but we persevered.”

Support eventually came from all corners. “We received assistance from the JN Foundation, which gave us furniture for the building and monetary support,” Williams said. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) also lent support, and several individuals in the diaspora contributed.

“One dollar from each person went a long way,” Mr. Williams said, adding that even those without financial means found ways to help.

Hyacinth Greaves, a resident of Goshen for more than 20 years, was ecstatic about the reopening.

“It is a tremendous relief. We missed it (the postal agency) a lot. It was difficult going up to Pepper, and now that our own postal agency is open, we are delighted with the help that we received. It is absolutely beautiful,” she said.

The restored postal agency is more than a building; it’s a symbol of resilience and unity, Mr Williams emphasised.

“This project shows the power of oneness. It proves that when community groups come together, outside of the norm, anything is possible,” he said.

Mr Williams expressed deep gratitude to every individual and organisation that contributed, noting that while JN Foundation and RADA were the only formal groups involved, the majority of the work came from the people of Goshen and their extended community abroad.

“I can’t say enough how grateful I am. I passed by the building just now and said to myself, ‘It really happened,’” he said.

With the Goshen postal agency now fully operational, residents no longer have to travel long distances to access postal services or PATH distributions, and the community has a renewed sense of purpose and pride.

Hakeem Atkinson, Member Relations supervisor at the Jamaica National Group, praised the community’s initiative.

“We were deeply moved by the determination of the Goshen CDC to restore such an important institution,” he said. “Its projects like these that demonstrate the power of people working together for the common good. We are proud to have played a part in this community-led success story.”

Recognising the importance of the communal space for the community, Mr Atkinson said that the JN Group, through the JN Foundation, launched the ‘I Support Jamaica Fund’ shortly after the passage of the hurricane to help with its restoration and strengthen the community in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Shanoy Harris Coombs, communications strategist and branding expert, delivered an engaging presentation to over 70 young participants of the JN Financial Academy Summer Camp, aged 12 to 18 years old , encouraging them to embrace their personal stories and cultural heritage as vital tools for building globally relevant brands.

The virtual summer camp, now in its fourth year, was hosted by the JN Foundation from July 28 to 30 under the theme “Building the Future Business Mogul: Diversifying Income for Wealth Creation.” The programme aimed to expose youth to entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy, and personal development through interactive workshops and inspiring stories shared by accomplished Jamaicans.

Speaking on the topic, “Global Goals, Local Roots: Branding with Culture for Global Success,” Mrs Harris Coombs shared her personal journey from being a shy primary school student to becoming a confident communications professional, illustrating how every stage of her life contributed to shaping her personal and professional brand.

“I was that chatty child who always ended up on stage for every poem and scripture reading, but when the time came to perform, I would freeze,” she recalled. “The turning point came after a particularly embarrassing moment as valedictorian, where I was unable to deliver my valedictory speech due to stage fright. I decided I had to change.”

Through debating in high school and studying social marketing as a specialisation under the Media and Communication Programme at university, Mrs Harris Coombs developed confidence and an understanding of how communication can be used for positive change. Her career path has since taken her through media, advertising, government, and international development, including working with the United Nations, regional and governmental organisations.

Each experience, she explained, added a layer to her brand: “Now if someone asks me to describe my brand, I say I am confident, inclusive, and passionate about using communication for good.”

Mrs Harris Coombs, who is also the chief executive officer of Infinity Integrated Communications Limited, emphasised that branding is not limited to businesses but is just as important for individuals.

“Your personal brand is the image others have of you when you are not in the room,” she explained. “It includes your values, how you present yourself, and how consistently you show up, both online and offline.”

Participants were encouraged to reflect on their reputations and aspirations as they explored branding fundamentals.  Using familiar brand logos and real-life scenarios, she stressed that personal branding is an intentional process that can begin at any age.

“Even as young as you are now, you’re building a brand. It’s in how you treat people, how you show up, and what you stand for,” she said.

Mrs Harris Coombs pointed out to campers, “Global success is possible, but your roots, your culture, and your authentic self are your strongest assets. Own them.”

Photo Caption: Marlon Fletcher(left), lead, community engagement, National Helmet Wearing Coalition and president of the Jamaica Motorcyclist Association, presents an appreciation gift to Dr Lovette Byfield, a public health specialist, consultant, and social and behaviour change expert, who participated in a panel discussion that explored storytelling as an effective strategy to drive advocacy inclusion and behaviour change. The occasion was the Heads-Up Regional Think Tank Forum on motorcycle helmet safety held at the AC Hotel in Kingston recently.

Harnessing the power of storytelling to influence behaviour and encourage greater compliance with helmet wearing was a key focus of the Heads-Up Regional Think Tank on motorcycle helmet safety.

The Think Tank, held at the AC Hotel in New Kingston recently, aimed to identify opportunities for regional collaboration on efforts that reduce motorcycle fatalities and increase helmet wearing in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean and Latin America through strategic advocacy and behaviour change.

The session was organised by the JN Foundation through the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, in collaboration with the FIA Foundation, and the National Road Safety Council, brought together regional experts, policymakers, road safety advocates, motorcycle drivers and communication professionals to explore solutions to the growing crisis of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities.

Dr Lovette Byfield, a public health specialist, consultant, and social and behaviour change expert, in a panel discussion, noted that achieving meaningful behaviour change is a complex undertaking that requires a range of interventions, with storytelling serving as a powerful and effective approach.

“It is a process that aims to change social conditions and individual behaviours, [including] the condition that facilitates the behaviour,” she said.

Highlighting the role of storytelling in advocacy and behaviour change, Dr Byfield emphasised the power of testimonials as a key tool. She pointed to the impact of storytelling in the success of a 2008 HIV/STI programme, which effectively used personal stories to address the high levels of stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.

Dr Byfield underscored that lessons from other countries also showed there were positive outcomes when individuals publicly shared their experiences living with HIV but stressed that extensive preparatory work was essential before crafting and delivering such messages.

“We had to prepare the storyteller, get a good sense as to what exactly this would mean to be out there telling your story in an environment where there was such stigma and discrimination, so we provided psychosocial support,” she related.

Stressing the long-term impact of strategic storytelling and public engagement, Dr Byfield pointed out that after nine years following the start of the programme, the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Behaviour (KAPB) survey in 2017 revealed a notable shift toward more accepting attitudes towards people living with HIV.

“It was 28.9 per cent in 2008 and it shifted to 32.4 per cent,” she said, acknowledging that there were other contributory factors that also helped to improve the outcome.

Dr Byfield also noted the importance of strategic planning in the storytelling process.

“We have to ensure alignment of message and messenger for consistency and credibility.  Whoever it is that’s taking the message, we have to strive to ensure that the lifestyle matches as best as possible. We could have some challenges if we have a fall out in that area.  We have to ensure that advocacy for policy change to improve access, resources and the structural changes to create an enabling environment goes along with the storytelling.”

Also supporting the storytelling perspective was Kate Turner, media and advocacy manager at the FIA Foundation, who highlighted the global impact of strategic storytelling in shifting mindsets and garnering public support for safer roads.

She recommended that stories should be refined into a single, compelling sentence or headline to effectively convey the message to strengthen advocacy efforts.

“Explain why something is happening, talk about solutions, talk about the thing that you want to change and talk to the lay person. Try and work out if what you’re telling them makes sense, [if it] makes them want to change something, and if it doesn’t, start again,” she said.

She further advised that advocates should tailor their stories to their audience, emphasising the importance of knowing the narrative structure, grounding it in human experiences supported by data, and ensuring the call to action is clear and compelling.

Also participating in the panel discussion were Christopher Atkinson, member of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, and Selwyn Richard Persaud, director and secretary general, Trinidad & Tobago Automobile Association.

The panel was one of five that provided a platform for dynamic dialogue and policy-orientated solutions to address helmet usage and enforcement. The other panels addressed regional perspectives on helmet use; legislative and regulatory gaps towards regional policy solutions; social and economic impact of motorcycle crashes and fatalities as a barrier to development; and best practices and solutions creating safer motorcycle drivers.

Mental health expert, Dr Marlon Simpson is calling for urgent attention to the mental well-being of Jamaican men, highlighting the critical need for safe spaces, stigma reduction, and greater understanding of burnout and how males express their emotions.

Speaking during a recent JN Circle meeting, the consultant psychiatrist, attached to the Bellevue Hospital, painted a sobering picture of the mental health challenges facing men in Jamaica. He revealed that the male wards at the country’s leading psychiatric facility are often filled to capacity, with three male wards for every female one, a stark indicator of the disproportionate mental health burden borne by men.

“A lot of the men who come in say the first time they actually felt heard was when they came to the hospital,” the consultant shared. “Many of them had no avenue to talk; no one was listening, and no one provided support.”

Mr Simpson was addressing members of the JN Circle Corporate Chapter on the topic ‘Men’s Mental Health, Continuing the Conversation’, which was held in observation of Men’s Mental Health Month, which was observed in June.

He noted that the methods men use when facing mental health crises are often more drastic, reflecting a deep sense of hopelessness and a reluctance to ask for help. “It’s not just about stress,” he said. “It’s about feeling like there’s no point in trying anymore. That’s why burnout can be a gateway to more serious mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide.”

He described burnout as more than just tiredness. “It’s a chronic emotional state, a sense that you’re not accomplishing anything of value and even what you have done doesn’t matter. It can lead to a breakdown in physical, social, and emotional functioning.”

Burnout symptoms include irritability, emotional detachment, insomnia, physical pain with no medical explanation, and withdrawal from family and friends. In men, this often presents as aggression, absenteeism, or substance abuse, sometimes involving dangerous combinations of drugs including marijuana, alcohol, Molly (ecstasy), and even embalming fluid (formaldehyde).

Cultural norms were identified as a major barrier to men seeking help. “In our society, when a man says he needs help, the reaction is often one of mockery or dismissal,” Mr Simpson said. “We have to unlearn that. Men internalise a lot, and it builds up like a pressure cooker until there’s an explosion, not always outward, but inward, leading to breakdowns, mental illness or worse.”

The speaker recounted the case of ‘James’, a male manager who became increasingly irritable, aggressive, and withdrawn. Initially resistant to therapy, James later admitted how much he needed space to talk. “Now he’s the one scheduling sessions and asking for more,” the consultant said. “It shows how powerful support and safe spaces can be.”

Importantly, he emphasised that the workplace has a role to play. He said at Bellevue Hospital, members of staff can now request mental health days, flexible work arrangements are encouraged, and managers are being trained to recognise signs of burnout without penalising affected employees.

“Support in the workplace should go beyond referring someone to a company therapist,” he added. “It includes helping employees find external, confidential support they can trust.”

He also recommended changing how we frame mental health conversations. “Instead of saying, ‘Go get help,’ we should say, ‘Let’s talk to someone who can help us understand what’s going on.’”

He ended the presentation with a powerful call to action: “Take off the mask. To thine own self be true. Talking, even just a little, can make all the difference. But we need judgement-free zones where people feel safe enough to do that.”

With men still under-represented among therapists in Jamaica and cultural stigma remaining strong, the expert called on Jamaicans to change the narrative, one conversation at a time.

“Burnout is real. The silence around men’s mental health must end,” he concluded. “Listening can save lives.”

The JN Circle is a global network of JN members and customers who leverage the JN Group’s resources to serve as advocates and community change agents. With 17 chapters spanning all 14 parishes and active groups in Toronto, Canada, and London, England, the JN Circle continues to make meaningful contributions to community development.

In a passionate address to stir up urgency, Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, kicked off the Heads-Up Regional Think Tank at the AC Hotel in Kingston with a call for countries in the Caribbean and Latin America to shift the narrative on motorcycle safety to save lives.

Addressing policymakers, motorcyclists, and global road safety advocates, Ms Allen emphasised the urgent need for behavioural change to reduce preventable deaths.

 “This is a journey of advocacy and action,” she declared. “The strategy is simple: safe helmets on heads. Every ride. Every time.”

The two-day forum, which culminated on June 20, was organised by the JN Foundation through the National Helmet Wearing Coalition. It comes amid rising concerns about motorcycle crashes across the Caribbean and Latin America. Motorcycle crashes account for close to a third of road fatalities in Jamaica alone, particularly the deaths of men in their prime, productive years a figure Miss Allen says has remained stubbornly unchanged.

“This is now an economic issue,” she stressed. “Our economies are already under strain, and these deaths are creating an invisible but heavy burden. We can’t afford to keep losing our most productive citizens on the roads.”

She highlighted the cultural reasons some riders still shun helmets, from vanity and discomfort to the myth that a short ride doesn’t require protection. She also pointed to systemic gaps, such as the need for certified helmet access, local testing facilities, and tighter enforcement.

But her message wasn’t just about the problems, it was a call to collective action.

“We have an immense task ahead, but it’s not insurmountable,” she said, pointing to successful efforts in other countries like Mexico.

“Over the next two days, we’re not just having a talk shop,” Miss Allen insisted. “We are identifying solutions- regulatory, cultural, economic- that will take us closer to zero.”

With representatives from transport, health, and national security ministries and sectors, as well as motorcyclists sharing their real stories, she said the forum is a critical step in changing the tide.

 “We’re showing up. We’re asking you to participate. And when you leave here, take action. Advocate. Collaborate. Because that’s the only way we’re going to change the story that’s become too familiar,” she pointed out.

Supporting her remarks, Agnieszka Krasnolucka, programme director at the FIA Foundation, underlined the life-saving potential of helmet use. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the FIA, the world governed body for motor sports.

“We know that the safe use of quality helmets reduces the risk of death by over six times and brain injury by up to 74 per cent,” she said.

“That makes every certified helmet wearer a life protector. And yet, too many still ride unprotected not for lack of knowledge, but for lack of access and enforcement,” she added.

Ms Krasnolucka praised Jamaica’s efforts, saying, “This is the first event of its kind in the region, and it’s already proving that regional dialogue can drive real change. We are here to shape safer roads and more resilient communities.”

The urgency to tackle the motorcycle crashes and their consequences was further underscored by Donaree Muirhead, technical assistant in the Ministry of Science, Energy and Transport, representing Minister Darly Vaz, who outlined grim statistics regarding fatalities and injuries from motorcycle incidents so far this year.

 “This is not just a national concern; it’s a regional crisis. The real issue is not motorcycles, it’s the persistent culture of non-compliance, limited access to certified helmets, and enforcement gaps,” she affirmed. We must build a safety culture from the ground up.”

The forum, hosted by the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, a project of the JN Foundation in partnership with the National Road Safety Council, with funding from the FIA Foundation, aims to tackle the challenge of motorcycle safety, particularly helmet wearing, head on, from helmet testing and enforcement to regional collaboration and youth education.

The event has brought together regional and international experts, policymakers, and advocates to tackle the alarming rise in motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Photo Caption: Christopher Atkinson (right), a member of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, in discussion with Claudine Allen (left), general manager, JN Foundation; and Frank Fotia, president of the FIA Region 3, during the Heads-Up Regional Think Tank on motorcycle helmet safety held at the AC Hotel in Kingston recently.

Christopher Atkinson, a member of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, is urging stakeholders to leverage the power of personal stories to advance road safety and promote helmet use. Speaking during a panel discussion at the Heads Up Regional Think Tank on motorcycle helmet safety, held at the AC Hotel in New Kingston recently, he underscored the emotional impact of real-life experiences in driving meaningful behaviour change.

He was addressing regional experts, policymakers, road safety advocates, motorcycle drivers, and communication professionals who gathered to explore solutions to the growing crisis of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities across Jamaica, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The two-day event was hosted by the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, a project of the JN Foundation in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council, funded by the FIA Foundation.

“Motorcycle safety is personal not just procedural. We talk a lot about data, accident rates, helmet usage, traffic laws, but what truly shifts behaviour is emotion. People rarely remember statistics, but they do remember stories, stories that feel real, reflect their lives and make them think that could be me,” he said.

Mr Atkinson noted that although education and enforcement are essential to promoting road safety, they are not sufficient on their own to drive meaningful changes in behaviour and attitudes.

“What we’re missing is emotion because emotion moves people.  When we tell real stories about real riders, people pay attention. When a biker shares how he got hit and how a helmet saved him, that sticks.  When a mother explains why she made her teenage son wear a helmet every single day, that inspires. The goal is not to scare people but to connect and once that connection is made, they begin to believe in the whys behind the rules,” he emphasised.

“Campaigns that change habits are the ones that show real riders, not models, talking about close calls, their regrets, their good choices, and their bad choices despite pressure. Effective road safety storytelling isn’t created in the boardroom, it comes from the streets, those who are directly or indirectly pounding the pavement on a regular basis. We have to work with communities to build better safety narratives.”

Mr Atkinson encouraged advocates to adopt a more inclusive and community-based approach to storytelling. He recommended hosting story circles or rider forums to gather real experiences that can drive meaningful change and emphasised the importance of including diverse voices such as women riders, delivery bikers, and rural motorcyclists who each bring unique perspectives. He also stressed the value of authenticity by using real people in familiar settings to build trust, and urged collaboration with local influencers, including community leaders, riding groups, and mechanics, who often have greater impact than traditional advertising.

He further highlighted that one common mistake in safety campaigns is portraying danger without acknowledging the dignity of those affected, cautioning that messaging should respect and reflect the lived experiences and resilience of riders.

“Riders aren’t just victims, they’re resilient, resourceful, and proud.  We need to start reflecting that.  When a campaign shows a delivery rider who wears a helmet because he wants to be there for his children or a young woman biker proudly navigating the city traffic because she believes in her right to mobility, that’s powerful, that’s behaviour change with dignity.”

“We need stories that uplift not just serve as cautionary tales we need stories that show the pride in putting on a helmet, the honour in riding responsibly, the love behind slowing down so you can come home safe.  We need stories that show that in every corner of every city or village safety is an act of resilience and resilience is something to celebrate not just survive,” he said.

Also participating in the panel discussion were Dr Lovette Byfield, a public health specialist, consultant, and social and behaviour change expert; Kate Turner, media and advocacy manager at the FIA Foundation; and Selwyn Richard Persaud, director and secretary general, Trinidad & Tobago Automobile Association.

The panel was one of five that provided a platform for dynamic dialogue and policy-orientated solutions to address helmet usage and enforcement. The other panels addressed regional perspectives on helmet use; legislative and regulatory gaps towards regional policy solutions; social and economic impact of motorcycle crashes and fatalities as a barrier to development; and best practices and solutions creating safer motorcycle drivers.

Photo Caption: The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), JN Foundation, the Global Safety Partnership and the FIA Foundation signed an agreement on Friday, June 20, for a two-year training programme on enforcement for members of the JCF. Participating in the signing of the agreement are (from left, seated) Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation; Agnieszka Krasnolucka, programme director of the FIA Foundation; Dr Gary McKenzie, Assistant Commissioner of Police; and Dave Cliff, chief executive officer of the Global Road Safety Partnership. Looking on are Claudine Allen (left, standing), general manager of the JN Foundation and Delroy Simpson, chief technical director in the Ministry of National Security. The signing of the agreement took place at the ‘Heads Up Regional Think Tank’ session at the AC Hotel in Kingston.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), JN Foundation, Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) and the FIA Foundation have signed an agreement to support a national programme aimed at bolstering the JCF’s capacity to improve motorcycle safety through improved enforcement of motorcycle helmet laws in Jamaica.

The agreement was signed at the ‘Heads-Up!’ Regional Think Tank held recently at the AC Hotel in New Kingston. The forum was hosted by the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, a project of the JN Foundation in partnership with the National Road Safety Council, with funding from the FIA Foundation.

The two-year training programme represents a significant step in addressing the alarming rates of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities. The programme aims to achieve key behavioural outcomes, including an increase in the number of motorcycle riders and their passengers (pillions) who consistently and correctly wear and standard-approved helmets, and the reduction of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries resulting from the non-use of helmets.

The collaboration will see an investment in training, tools, and leadership development for law enforcement officers to support more effective road policing operations and foster behaviour change among riders.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr Gary McKenzie, who signed the Agreement on behalf of the JCF, welcomed the partnership and highlighted the urgency of the initiative citing findings from crash investigations that underscore the critical need for improved helmet compliance and enforcement.

“When we look at what we have gathered, over 75 per cent of those who died suffered serious head injuries. That tells us their heads weren’t protected,” he said.

“We must ensure everyone-riders, passengers, families, and communities understands the importance of helmets. Helmets save lives. Wearing one significantly reduces the risk of head injury and death. We have to protect our most valuable asset, our brain.”

Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, described the signing as a moment of national and regional significance.

“Today’s signing of this two-year treaty agreement is much more than a procedural step. It is a powerful statement, one that says we are united in our commitment to protecting lives, strengthening communities, and building a safer Jamaica. We believe that this partnership will further empower the JCF to be a ‘force for good’, promoting motorcycle safety and upholding standards that save lives.”

Dave Cliff, chief executive officer of the GRSP, welcomed the agreement as a model of meaningful collaboration. Headquartered in Switzerland, the GRSP is a non-profit organisation formed in 1999 in response to what is recognised as a global as a human-made health crisis arising from deaths and injuries due to road crashes. It is hosted by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“We are proud to support this bold and necessary initiative. Enforcement, when paired with education and community engagement, is one of the most effective ways to change road user behaviour and reduce fatalities. This partnership sends a clear message that Jamaica is serious about addressing preventable road traffic injuries. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on communities across the country.”

Meanwhile, Delroy Simpson, chief technical director at the Ministry of National Security who represented Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Horace Chang, said that although some progress has been made in enforcing helmet use, there is much more that needs to be accomplished. He also underscored the importance of public education to encourage helmet use.

“We recognise that enforcement alone cannot achieve our objectives. We must have strong enforcement and [public] education campaigns that foster a culture of safety. We must engage with our communities, particularly our young men, to change perceptions and encourage responsible riding,” he said.

The signing partners pledged to act swiftly and in a coordinated manner to ensure the programme’s successful and sustainable implementation, leveraging communication, funding, legislative support, and stakeholder mobilisation.